If you have trouble breathing through your nose, frequently experience nasal congestion, or suffer from chronic sinus infections, you might be dealing with a deviated septum. This condition affects the nasal septum, the cartilage, and the bones that divide the nasal cavity. The septum would be centered in a perfect world, allowing smooth airflow through both nasal passages. But for many, it’s off-center — a condition called nasal septum deviation.
Deviated septum treatment often involves surgery, but many people are hesitant about undergoing surgery and wonder if there’s a way to fix a deviated septum without it. Let’s explore the most effective non-surgical options that can help reduce symptoms and improve breathing naturally.
First, What Is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is displaced to one side. This septal deviation can create nasal obstruction, reduce airflow, and lead to chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, facial pain, and even obstructive sleep apnea. A severely deviated septum can sometimes cause repeated or chronic sinusitis.
While the most direct solution is septoplasty surgery — a type of nasal surgery designed to straighten the septum — it’s not always necessary if symptoms are manageable.
Why Consider Non-Surgical Treatments?
Surgical procedures like septum surgery are effective, but not always the preferred first step. Reasons people avoid deviated septum surgery include:
- Concerns about recovery from a surgical procedure
- Anxiety about anesthesia
- Cost or insurance limitations
- Mild symptoms that don’t justify an invasive fix
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce nasal symptoms and improve comfort without surgery.
1. Nasal Strips: Simple and Effective for Temporary Relief
External nasal strips are a popular over-the-counter solution. These flexible bands adhere to the bridge of your nose and gently pull open the nasal passages to reduce nasal blockage.
They work especially well at night when nasal obstruction and snoring become more noticeable. While they won’t correct a deviated nasal septum, they can make breathing through the nose easier in the short term.
2. Nasal Sprays: Target Inflammation and Congestion
Nasal sprays are a cornerstone of conservative deviated septum treatment. Different types serve different purposes:
- Nasal steroid sprays (like fluticasone): These reduce nasal inflammation and swelling inside the nasal cavity, helping to improve airflow.
- Decongestant nasal sprays (like oxymetazoline): These are useful for reducing nasal congestion quickly, but should only be used for short periods to prevent rebound congestion.
- Antihistamine sprays: Helpful if allergies are contributing to nasal symptoms.
These sprays don’t fix a deviated septum but can significantly ease the discomfort it causes.
3. Saline Rinses and Irrigation: Cleanse and Soothe
Saline nasal rinses are one of the most effective ways to keep the nasal passages moist and clear. They flush out irritants, reduce dryness, and help manage chronic nasal congestion.
Options include:
- Neti pots
- Sinus rinse squeeze bottles
- Pressurized saline sprays
Always use sterile or distilled water, and clean your device regularly to avoid infection.
4. Breathing Exercises and Posture Improvements
Breathing through your nose with a deviated septum can be challenging, but breathing exercises may help train your body to use nasal pathways more efficiently.
Try this:
- Alternate nostril breathing can help restore balance between the nasal passages.
- Diaphragmatic breathing strengthens your core respiratory muscles and reduces over-reliance on mouth breathing.
Postural improvements, especially during sleep, can also help reduce nasal obstruction and promote better airflow.
5. Allergy Management: Minimize Inflammation Before It Starts
Allergies can worsen nasal septum deviation by inflaming the nasal tissue. Reducing exposure to allergens helps lessen nasal blockage and congestion.
Key strategies:
- Use air purifiers
- Wash bedding frequently
- Shower after spending time outdoors
- Use an antihistamines and allergy-safe nasal spray as needed
By reducing nasal inflammation, you may find it easier to breathe even with a deviated septum.
6. Humidifiers: Add Moisture to Your Environment
Dry indoor air, especially during winter months, can exacerbate nasal symptoms. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to keep nasal passages damp and comfortable. This is especially helpful for people with chronic nasal congestion or frequent sinus infections.
7. Positional Changes While Sleeping
If you’re experiencing nasal blockage at night, try sleeping on your side. Elevating your head with a wedge pillow or multiple pillows can also reduce pressure in the nasal cavity and ease nighttime congestion.
Sleeping on the opposite side of your deviated septum may open up your better-functioning nostril and improve airflow during sleep.
8. Natural Remedies: Gentle, Holistic Support
While they won’t shift the structure of the nasal septum, some natural remedies can reduce symptoms:
- Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil in a diffuser or steam can open the nasal passages
- Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce nasal inflammation
Use these as supportive options rather than standalone fixes.
9. Facial Massage and Myofunctional Therapy
Some individuals explore facial massage or myofunctional therapy to address symptoms of a deviated septum. These techniques help relax facial muscles, support better posture, and improve tongue placement and nasal breathing. While not a replacement for septum treatment, they can complement other conservative strategies.
When Non-Surgical Options Aren’t Enough
If you have a severely deviated septum and conservative treatments aren’t helping, you might need to consider deviated septum surgery. Here are signs you may need septoplasty surgery:
- Ongoing nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing
- Chronic sinusitis or frequent sinus infections
- Facial pain or pressure not relieved by medication
- Sleep disturbances like obstructive sleep apnea
- Snoring that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes
Septoplasty is a common and safe surgical procedure that corrects the deviation and restores nasal function. While the idea of nasal surgery can be intimidating, it offers long-term relief for those with severe symptoms.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
If your symptoms are manageable, non-surgical options may be enough. But if nasal blockage, chronic sinusitis, or sleep apnea are affecting your quality of life, it’s worth consulting an ENT specialist.
Keep a symptom journal and discuss all your options with a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies or nasal endoscopy to evaluate the extent of your deviated nasal septum and guide the best treatment plan — surgical or not.
FAQs
Can I fix a deviated septum naturally?
You can’t correct the physical deviation naturally, but you can manage symptoms with a nasal spray, breathing techniques, and lifestyle changes.
How does a nasal spray help with a deviated septum?
Nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines reduce inflammation and swelling, improving airflow through the nasal passages.
What causes a deviated septum?
It can be present at birth, result from injury, or develop over time. Trauma is a common cause of a severely deviated septum.
How long should I try non-surgical treatments before considering surgery?
If you’ve been using conservative treatments consistently for a few months without relief, talk to your ENT about septoplasty surgery.
Is sleep apnea linked to a deviated septum?
Yes, nasal obstruction from a deviated septum can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea and poor sleep quality.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Manage a Deviated Septum Without Surgery
While you can’t permanently repair a deviated septum without surgery, you can absolutely manage the symptoms with a thoughtful, consistent approach. Non-surgical strategies like nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce nasal congestion, ease breathing, and improve daily comfort.
If your condition worsens or symptoms become unmanageable, surgery remains a reliable and effective solution. But until then, these conservative treatments offer a solid plan to help you breathe easier without going under the knife.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deviated-septum/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351716
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/deviated-septum-treatments/
